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The map locates the provinces of Kunduz and Samangan in Afghanistan, where Taliban attacks have killed at least 35 people. 1c x 2 1/2 inches; 46.5 mm x 63 mm;
Taliban insurgents have launched separate attacks against Afghan security forces in the north of the country, killing at least 52 people, provincial officials said on Monday.
Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, head of the provincial council of Kunduz province, said that at least 13 security forces were killed and 15 others wounded during an attack on a checkpoint in Dashti district. Archi. The shooting began Sunday night and continued until Monday morning.
Meanwhile, in Jawzjan province, the head of the provincial police, General Faqir Mohammad Jawzjani, said the Taliban had attacked Khamyab district on several sides, forcing Afghan forces to withdraw from headquarters.
"There was intense fighting and we did not want civilian homes to be destroyed or civilian casualties," Jawzjani said. He said that at least eight policemen had been killed and three other policemen injured. Seven Taliban were killed and eight others wounded during the shooting, he added.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attacks in Kunduz and Jawzjan provinces.
The Taliban also killed 14 other Afghan police and pro-government militiamen in Dara Suf district of Samangan province, province spokesman Sediq Azizi said, adding that six others were also injured.
Azizi added that three Taliban fighters were killed and four others wounded in the Monday morning battle.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack in Samangan, but Azizi accused Taliban insurgents active in the province of often targeting Afghan security forces and local pro-government militias.
In the northern province of Sari Pul, provincial governor Zahir Wahdat said the Taliban killed at least 17 Afghan security forces and wounded three others across the province.
He said 39 Taliban fighters had been killed and 14 wounded in the fighting, adding that the death toll could rise.
General Abdul Qayum Baqizai, chief of the provincial police, said that at least two security forces had been killed in the fighting.
"The Taliban attack has been postponed, but sporadic fighting is underway on the outskirts of the city," Baqizai added.
The Taliban have not yet commented on the fighting in Sari Pul province.
Since the June ceasefire that marked the Islamic holiday of Eid al Fitr, Taliban insurgents have increased attacks against Afghan security forces, killing hundreds of security forces in the country.
During the three-day ceasefire, Taliban photos were broadcast with Afghan security forces, singing and taking selfies together. Mohammad Yaqub, the son of the Taliban founder, Mullah Mohammed Omar, circulated an audio tape condemning fraternization.
Since then, attacks on military installations have been unrelenting and on several occasions Afghan National Security Forces (ANSA) have been dismantled and maneuvered. In successive reports, even the Washington watchdog, the Special Inspector General for Reconstruction of Afghanistan (SIGAR), has identified weaknesses in the security forces, including desertions, inadequate training and corruption. .
Since 2014, ANSA has taken the lead in the war against insurgents, with the United States and NATO providing support and training. However, the Taliban have become stronger and, according to the Inspector General, almost half of the country is under their direct control or deeply influenced by them.
A local affiliate of the Islamic State group has also emerged in recent years and has carried out blatant and increasingly deadly attacks, targeting mostly civilians and the country's Shia minority. The Taliban and ISIS affiliate are enemies and have attacked each other. The Taliban also denied any responsibility in the attacks on Shiites, which have been claimed by the IS.
